Barry Black, the U.S. Senate Chaplain, has been hospitalized due to a brain bleed but is expected to make a smooth recovery, according to his office. The 76-year-old Black experienced a subdural hematoma, which occurs when blood collects between the skull and the brain’s surface, leading to increased pressure on the brain. He is currently being treated at a local hospital under the supervision of the Capitol physician.
Since taking on his role in 2003, Black has been a well-recognized figure in the Senate, often seen wearing his signature bow tie. He begins each day’s proceedings with a prayer and provides spiritual support to senators and staff through both group sessions and individual meetings. Before becoming the Senate Chaplain, Black served as the chief of chaplains for the Navy.
Black is known for his powerful voice and insightful prayers, especially during politically charged times. For instance, during the government shutdown in 2013, he prayed for clarity amid the confusion: “Deliver us from the hypocrisy of attempting to sound reasonable while being unreasonable.” Similarly, during the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump in 2019, he urged senators not to let fatigue or cynicism harm their long-standing friendships.
On the early morning of January 7, 2021, following the tumultuous events at the Capitol, Black concluded a late-night session with a plea for unity. He condemned the violence and dysfunction that threatened the nation, saying, “We deplore the desecration of the United States Capitol building, the shedding of innocent blood, the loss of life, and the quagmire of dysfunction that threaten our democracy.”
His words and presence continue to resonate in the halls of Congress, reflecting a commitment to prayer and guidance during the nation’s challenges.
